2014 Mazda3 6-speed Review, Walkaround, Exhaust, & Test Drive

[@hondaftw1234]

Best in class for sure.

[@beshaunnjno-baptiste5379]

I like the fact that you can get a GT model with 6 speed manual. What I don't like is how the 2.5 liter models are ONLY available with automatic. No option for manual at all.

[@Zadesniper]

No wonder I couldn't find one lol. I'll take my 40 mpg tho

[@SIIKAP1]

GrumpyZade They eventually added a manual on the 2.5

[@TheSleepyMechanic0524]

2015 and up have manual.

[@cloudparter]

Test drove one today and the thing is an amazing drive and the clutch and transmission is gorgeous.

[@PantherP74]

I just bought a '14 Mazda 3 i Sport this past Thursday, and I love it! The 6-speed stick is sweet, it has plenty of power for what I need (if I want power, my wife and I have a '14 Mustang GT), and the MPG is excellent. The car is fantastic.

[@carbrickscity]

Agree. It's the best car in the class.

[@boovoo66]

I have a 2011 gti and looking for something new in a few week test drove the new mazda 3 and let me tell ya as a gti owner the new 3 is well.... Very good! I was shocked

[@tszwong1]

this top of the line mazda in Canada cost $36k including tax and everything. The civic, corolla etc... all only cost around $30k all in. The $6k is a huge premium. But none the less, the driving experience is awesome, and I like the 3's look better

[@thaik56]

I can hear you're not feeling too well today Sofyan, that's why I appreciate your review even more! What dedication and great review as always!

[@silvestersanchez1241]

I bought the basic i-model and it's all I need. All the 6 speed manual transmission versions have the same motor, same suspension, same brakes, same everything that matters. If you want fancy interiors or touch screens that don't make the car drive better then you get the other trims. The auto does get a 188hp motor, but this is not offered for the stick shift version so meh

[@mazdaman1982]

I Just Bought the 2014 Mazda 3 same coler soul red I got the sedan in the GS trim with the 2.0 SkyActive G motor I just got the car brand new today and love it .

[@sharleecharles]

Mazdaman Hello, what feedback can you give about your car please? Getting mine next week, same trim level as yours 2014 with almost 35000 kms. What could you say about the engine, gas milage, reliability.... Thx :)

[@Vaioleto]

I found the same thing with the revmatch lag, but once I got used to it, just held my heel down a split second longer! Fastastic car, feels like I'm driving a go kart, the steering is the BEST I've ever driven, I would even say it's better than FRS!

[@TappinLappin]

Another great review, Thank you!

[@chrisransdell8110]

Wonderful driving car but like most current vehicles, a lot of people have issues with the infotainment. Also, the doors have only a small bottle holder and the center console is small so it overall has less storage space for 'stuff' than a lot of cars. I thought it was road noisy also but opinions seem to vary on that.

[@DisneyMusicVideos]

Excellent video as usual! I love the new Mazda3! I would probably buy one if I was shopping for a compact car! I sat in one at the LA Auto Show & I was really impressed with it overall! Love the black leather interior with the red stitching!

[@WitchyWhale]

6:47, why on earth do you need a back up camera in a small car?

[@Zadesniper]

Bragging rights

[@Amir.z32]

Nice review! I like your driving style haha

[@J-W.-]

Working at a mazda dealership I have to tell you this is a very nice car it just feels luxury but driving them all day I know the cons on all mazda which is they have very cheap brakes they will scrub and squel alot and the older ones that come in don't get me started 1 thing I think needs improvement is the bose a light volume the rearview mirror shakes like crazy I guess cause a sub is beneath it but it should be more secure other then that it's fast for alittle car and I like it.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Jonathan Washington 2.5 liter or 2.0 liter? With the manual transmission which would you choose Mr. Washington?

[@J-W.-]

buildmorefarms100 Definitely the 2.5 cause I want the ZOOM ZOOM for the BOOM BOOM. Lol.

[@jeepguy95]

Does anyone think that Mazda took a page from Mercedes-Benz's book and made the multimedia screen look like the COMMAND interface in their newer vehicles?

[@ivanpadilla9875]

I owned a 2006 mazda 3 Sport 2.3 and it was amazing Owened it for threee years without one problem! Until I crashed it (which was my fault) but man I am going to defintaly buy another one!

[@one959]

Great review and very informative without too much opinion....Thumbs up mate.

[@TVinmyEye]

Had a mazda 3 hatch 2.5 with 167hp absolutely a fine piece of machinery for its class, i now drive a 2013 genesis coupe, and to tell ya the truth i think the mazda handle slightly better. Would of consider a 6 if they had a coupe version.

[@slickflyguy]

I have an 2006 3 hatch, s-touring with the 2.3 engine. It's a great car that is fun to drive. Time for a new one though. Same car. I like it that much.

[@djkenny1202]

Why not keep it and avoid the cost and payment? Those should go 250k+

[@Dunoj]

I like the styling but would like to see Mazda offer 6 speed manual on all trims rather than on just I models. Having a lack of a manual in more potent versions could be a bit of turnoff for some who consider themselves to be more enthusiast oriented. I think it looks good but some of the trims are lacking features or they put in unexpected features and left out some of the expected stuff.

[@KaiForce]

Love hearing that wheel-spin. Miss my manual. Might have to get one of these.

[@Zyworski]

I just want the 2.5L 185 hp engine without all the electronic gizmos. I have already learned my lesson about electronic gizmos and cars, the intense heat gives devices a low life expectancy. I would have prefered the older stiff ride, but the geriatric crowd cry the loudest and Mazda made the mistake of listening. This car is such a great package with such glaring faults, I've got my fingers crossed that 2015 is going to give us a different mix of options.

[@BreadAndGatorade]

Zyworski what glaring faults?

[@radumitroi758]

I love how driving a stick is such a big deal over there. :P "Need a tac to help with the shifting" Nah, once you do it long enough, you'll learn it by engine sound and direct feedback from the pedals.

[@carbrickscity]

I agree, but it always better to have one.

[@hmahmo]

Agreed 100%

[@turbo311]

Test drove the 2015. They made some packaging changes. Rearview camera now included without tech package on i Touring, but I want that package anyway. They also added fog lights. Not sure if I'd go up to i GT. The car drives beautifully, and the 2.0 is very peppy due to strong torque. The 2.5 is very strong, but as stated, expensive. The 2.0 in the 3 seems very similar to having the 2.5 in the 6 in terms of power to weight. Transmission didn't seem as slick as the 2012 I had with the same Skyactive 2.0 and gearbox.

[@LancelotMooreYorke]

waiting for the speed 3 honestly! I love my ms3

[@ANGRYEAGLE911]

You will be waiting till 2018 according to Car And Driver magazine.

[@LancelotMooreYorke]

thats a long time :(

[@MiguelMenendezlife]

Lancelot Moore-Yorke just in time, i think i'll have a bachelor or higher by that time, although is quite a bit of wait for just a mod.

[@Bolero6879]

Replying from 6 years later, no new mazda speed 3 😔

[@gwwayner]

I really don't see the point of a 6 speed manual over a 5 speed manual in a daily driver for transportation. More gears to shift and the 6th gear will be such a high overdrive (for slightly better mpg) that one will be constantly downshifting on the highway to go uphill.

[@dumbodumbton3]

Judging by the last part of your post, you've never driven a good 6 speed manual.

[@gwwayner]

Dumbo Dumbton Nothing wrong with a 6-speed manual (especially in a sports car) but I'm suspicious the manufacturer will make the 6th gear so tall (for that extra mpg or two) that it will be a pain on hilly highways around here. The 5-speed actually gets slightly worse mpg than the automatic, so it is not geared as tall and has a bit more pep in top gear when you step on the gas going up a hill. I have a QuickShifter on my 6-speed Triumph Street triple btw.

[@Seramics]

daily driver? 3 gears auto is sufficient.

[@MrFullback100]

I agree with you. A 6 speed manual is more cumbersome because you do have to downshift to pass other cars on the highway unlike a 5 speed manual.

[@carbrickscity]

I disagree. You can always just use 5th gear on the highway if you want. For me it's always better to have more gear choice, especially if it can help mpg. What's the point of getting a stick if you don't like shifting? I enjoy every single upshift/downshift when I am driving so I don't mind downshifting to pass cars. Corvette and Porsche even have 7 speed manual. That's my opinion of course and everyone has his/her own preference in number of gears. For me, I prefer 6 gears.

[@wakefielddevin]

I cannot freaking wait to see the next Mazdaspeed3

[@NOFATCHICK1]

Same here

[@JackColeroSr.]

This did not aged well

[@Kevin-rf9sx]

@@JackColeroSr. it did.. The new looks stunning

[@JackColeroSr.]

@@Kevin-rf9sx damn that's funny cuz there aren't any new Mazdaspeeds in production.

[@Kevin-rf9sx]

@@JackColeroSr. ah Ok.. Misunderstood. Thought the new mazda 3 😅

[@Jankie16]

I like your reviewss... still waiting on the 2014 toyota corolla review!!

[@Quentyn73]

Nice review, I love that you did it with manual, as this car is really a manual one. The auto kills the peppiness in any car.

[@mustasheolll2020]

Quentyn73 I like automatic with Manuel mode, I get the best of both worlds.

[@AnasNgy]

There is no HD why ? Great video as always :D

[@madchild2389]

Man that motor knocks like a woodpecker

[@Toyeboy89]

Yeah I heard that is it normal?

[@poopmeat15]

@@Toyeboy89 For direct injection

[@ArtaherDuron]

Great review - I can't wait to test out a Mazda 3 grand touring!!

[@tuolumne9]

I still think the front end gives off a little cheapness - the wheels look too small and the swooping line just looks a bit off to me. I think the thick chrome accents of the Focus (and Jetta SEL/GLI) make those two cars appear like the most premium offerings, from an exterior standpoint

[@celsovera91]

Unless you have an iphone, the usb seems kinda pointless because they don't support android. I wish carmakers would make android connectivity as well

[@MrBullya]

I miss my hatch so much! Such a pretty car!

[@LarryBirrd]

Awesome review Sofyan!!! Could you do a review of the 2014 Honda Civic Sedan or Coupe. Thanks! I wanna see how Mazda3 stacks up with the new Civic. But I have feeling though that Mazda3 is best in class in terms driving dynamics and features.

[@thaik56]

The slight delay in the throttle response when revving matching is unfortunately what makes this car a deal breaking for me :( I rev-matched every single time I'm downshifting and I downshift very often, not that I'm accelerating that much, just the way I drive.

[@emilsponga2081]

thats how its done...if possible

[@thaik56]

what do you mean if possible?

[@emilsponga2081]

thaik56 well , you dont always make the perfect shift. you might want to use a nice shot of engine braking. you might be tired. mom might be on the phone. rapid chipmunks might dart out in front of you in a large herd. i get driving a stick . and i learned and drove many before they had hydraulic clutches.

[@thaik56]

emil sponga rev matching downshifting doesn't prevent the car from engine braking.

[@celsovera91]

The radio on the base model looks even more afterthought. Its not flush onto the dash like most cars

[@RamblingOmarr]

I'd love to see you do a 2014 Chevy SS. I'd to know your opinion on it.

[@nscribner94]

The delay is the drive by wire system. I own an 04 Mazda 3 and it is so slow due to that damn delay! This car does look pretty sweet though!

[@notsoloner]

Any plans to review the 2014 KIA forte hatchback with the turbo engine?

[@unclejacobsworld]

Great review, car looks like a ton of fun.

[@mustasheolll2020]

Jacob Parks the dash board reminds me of a Beemer.

[@tuolumne9]

Also, having been in Germany for the past two months, and experiencing the new Golf, the Mazda still appears a step or two behind it - less soft touch materials inside, cheaper feeling/sounding doors outside, and driving refinement that can't quite match the Golf, which now drives with the poise of an Audi A4. Of course the Mazda is a step up from the PQ34 US jetta, but the new Golf sets the new standard, IMO.

[@kens97sto171]

Unfortunately most of the VW Golf that we get in the USA comes from Mexico. And at least in our Consumer Reports magazine... VW always rates very low in reliability. Mazda 3 is made in Japan.. and will run forever with little problems. At least that has been the case in the past... sad to say. Love the way VW's drive.

[@terrificspokesman7416]

@@kens97sto171 Volkswagen has lowered the quality for the Mk8 Golf for all markets. The Mazda3 is much better than that car.

[@morpheusjr373]

Awesome Review!

[@sinclair110]

I own a 2013 Mazda 3 GS SPORT I really Love my Mazda 3 I find that its more Sporty inside and also the inside I really like my

[@alimansoori7042]

Gianluigi Gonzaga Is that car reliable like Toyota Camry ? Or breaking down fast ?

[@dsi19961]

I like the front end, but that 7 inch screen will definitively get stolen. hopefully mazda will change that. Good job! Love the ending of the vid!!!

[@aidand8195]

Should do a video on a 2003 Chevy impala, 2002 Subaru legacy gt, the new chevy cruze or a 2005 mazda 3. Just some thoughts!

[@bogusmd]

Curious... What did you think of the 2013 mazda3 with the 2.5 in terms of dynamics and handling ?

[@coffeeman220]

I've got a 2010 with a 5 speed and once you get past the ugly looks its a really great car! Looking forward to driving this one

[@Kev50027]

That "ugly" is pretty hard to get past though. Every time I see one I cringe. Also, what's with your username? It also makes me cringe. Nothing personal, unless you are Nancy Pelosi...

[@mustasheolll2020]

pelosi5730 I dig the styling of that generation. The new ones are the best though cause I’m more of a cutting edge kind of dude

[@Achilles5Cenci]

Picking up my black mazda3 sGT in two days.

[@CarTuner48]

I agree with the nav comment.. plus it also looks like a tablet was just added on the top, it should retract to look clean!

[@chigasaki06]

Do you know how much that would cost. Lets remember folks, this is an entry level car, not entry level luxury.

[@CarTuner48]

good point. maybe it should fold down at least then

[@nettle97008]

Do you really want soft touch door panels on the rear doors when the passengers sitting in the back are most likely going to be kids?

[@Statimtek]

Any thoughts on that the Mazda 3 is now being built in a new factory in Mexico and is basically an all new vehicle? Would that make you take pause knowing that, as far is whether to buy one?

[@carbrickscity]

My 2015 Mazda3 is still made in Japan.

[@deurkl]

Statimtek They have factories all over the world, also in Vietnam, Russia etc. Mazda know what they're doing, they have the experience.

[@chrissorreda4982]

Statimtek Assembling parts in another place doesn't make it made in that place :) Go join the marketing dept of any automotive manufacturer :) These guys have been in the business long before you started asking that question. These guys went to college a couple of times. Tldr: They know better than you and the things they do have a reason :)

[@Statimtek]

Chris Sorreda No, but they do get their product from suppliers they did not use before, plus its a new factory, just starting production with new employees, and it is a completely new design. Combined, these factors can possibly lead to issues on the first production models.That is what i was driving at.

[@chrissorreda4982]

+Statimtek Sure because manufacturers hire random factory workers without specific training, filtering etc. Mazda isn't like any small manufacturer out there. They're only small in popularity and sales (relative).

[@f181234]

Was this recorded before the polar vortex

[@kurtgrundel]

I really think that the S model takes the car into the Audi, Acura level. I looked at the BMW X1 and compared it to the 3 and liked the 3s much better. I think it would stay out of the repair shops more than the other brands as well.

[@NicFavero]

Could you do a review on a 2009 Mitsubishi lancer I'm thinking of getting it but I'm still not sure

[@chigasaki06]

You sure you want a car from Mitsubishi? They are damn near bankrupt. I wouldn't be surprised if they pull out the U.S. market in the near future just like suzuki.

[@ThePlanBPill]

Waiting for the Diesel. Hopefully they put the nice sized tires on it.

[@bradencurrie]

why you shift into first?

[@mctwain5319]

Great review! I have a 2.5 litter Skyactiv. It Does 0-60in under 7 secs minus spare tire in sport mode with paddle shifters. This car does have accelerometer and has same cornering setup as Miata! It hits 40mpg on freeway with cruise control at 70 mph. Yes this is a fuel economy luxury car that competes with mercedes BMW, kia, hybrids etc.. But is engineered by a small company that knows automotive technology zoom zoom..

[@pedrof830]

That screen looks like it was put in as an afterthought. Poor design IMO

[@ryanadelhardt8752]

I totally agree.

[@zxbc1]

It's the design that BWM and Merc use in their cars too, but nobody says that about them. When it's in a mass market brand, people automatically assume a design decision is undesirable because of poor(cheap) design; when it is in a luxury brand, people shrug it off and assume it's a matter of taste. This car has so many elegant design elements, and it's obvious that the screen is a conscious design decision. I personally love it, and prefer it to those that place the screen lower. This is a lot easier to glance at while driving.

[@dennisleboeuf2000]

It's that the screen is within your peripheral vision while driving rather than looking down

[@MrFullback100]

Yes, that screen is definitely an afterthought item. The dashboard design is exactly same as my 2000 Protege except for the added screen on top of the dashboard.

[@zxbc1]

***** No it isn't. Not at all. 2000 Protege has different rotating knobs, different buttons and the layout on the dash is completely different including the shape of the whole thing, the number of functional items, and shapes of individual buttons. It has a slider and a storage bin completely out of place compared to the new 3's, and air vents that are located in different spots facing different directions, and a different height for the upper dash relative to the driver. My roommate owns one, and I own a brand new Mazda3. My roommate has never ceased to praise how well designed my car's dash is compared to his. Perhaps you are visually challenged?

[@MamboItalian5]

That tire chirping is very surprising !!

[@micahprov]

The HD to SD switch in the video looks horrible. Please try to keep it all HD next time

[@Veyronp87]

Love it! would probaby get a sedan S touring if it was me though

[@macmacky2080]

The 18- inch wheels looks and handles better. This is the best Mazda 3 compared to previous generations

[@mountainhobo]

It might also make it ride a lot stiffer.

[@carbrickscity]

I must say the 18in wheels looks nicer but the 16 isn't bad either. It rides smoother and helps mpg.

[@MiguelMenendezlife]

i love the design of the new one

[@kch923]

good looking car i like it but don't know when will be saledand how much in Taiwan

[@jeepguy95]

Beautiful car, looks like a Baby 6. (:

[@jaskoroy9204]

I love this car!

[@23greyes]

Can you do a review of the 2014 kia optima?

[@chigasaki06]

I think he already did one. Even if it was the 2013, the only changes are a few outside cosmetic ones.

[@venzoah]

15:42 It kind of sounded like a turbo spooling up. Lmao.

[@martinhuynh4032]

Good review but you started the outro music way too early. It was playing close to 2 minutes.

[@stuartdummkoph128]

I think you’ll find those seats are leather. Only the high wear edges and the backs of the seats are maztec (leatherette). That’s the case in Australia anyway. I doubt they make them differently for the NA market

[@carbrickscity]

+Stuart Osborne The seats shown in this video are leatherette. Only the S Grand Touring has real leather.

[@stuartdummkoph128]

+vader11111 oh ok. Mine is called the SP25 GT. The seats look exactly the same but I'm assured they are leather. Mine has a heads up display as well

[@carbrickscity]

+Stuart Osborne Yeah yours could be leather. Most countries have leather seats on the Mazda3, except in the US where you can only find real leather on the S Grand Touring. It is hard to tell from a video, but it is confirmed that the i Grand Touring has leatherette. I have one. The i Grand Touring also does not have heads up display or digital speedometer. I am jealous that even the 1.5 model in some countries have leather seats while our 2.0 has leatherette. Even the 2.5 S Touring still has leatherette.

[@AlexTheeGr8t]

The Mazda3 sedan is so much better looking in my opinion but I know there's a market for this hatch and even more so for the Mazda Speed3 when that hits that streets.

[@coleman2586]

I like the screen a lot!!

[@AlexTheeGr8t]

Heeeey! Why aren't you in Detroit bringing me details on my Acura TLX?

[@theredline]

Expect to see that video up shortly ;)

[@AlexTheeGr8t]

2theRedline Thanks 2theRedline! I saw pics and vids and happy you all are giving us your perspective on all things NAIAS. Hopefully the TLX will offer a 6speed manual so Sofyan can switch up. I have a TSX and would switch for the TLX too.

[@Native722]

I can't believe Mazda put the tech so freaking small on the lower models.

[@GiantTurkS]

A dealer nearby has 130 sedans 30 hatches, 120 being automatic which means a review of a sedan automatic would be more thoughtful for shoppers. Almost no 1 will go stick hatch with leatherette.

[@mazdaman1982]

this one looks like the mazda 3 GS cause of it being the 2.0 not the 2.5 and the tack as well , I live in Canada and the GS's don't come with the climate control only the basic but everything looks the same thow .

[@Nonbelieverification]

What do you mean when saying that the hatchback has the most amount of space? Clearly the sedan has a lot more storage/luggage space.

[@zxbc1]

The hatchback has 20.2 cu.ft. of storage, the sedan has 12.4. With seats down, both gain about 27 cu.ft, except in the hatch that space is joined together. The only reason you would want the sedan is you care for the 1 MPG better mileage, the one tenth of a second better 0-60, or the fact that your trunk storage has total privacy on the road when fully loaded.

[@Nonbelieverification]

zxbc No idea how or where you got this information but the hatchback has 364 liters of storage and the sedan has 419 liters (without the seats down)

[@zxbc1]

Nonbelieverification I got my information from Edmunds, Cars.com, kbb.com, and every other major automotive publication. The question is, where did YOU get yours? There's no way a hatchback will have less storage room than a sedan of the same model, that's the whole point of getting a hatchback - to get more space. I don't know how you can even be led to think the opposite.

[@Nonbelieverification]

***** Perhaps it's the difference between USA and Europe when it comes to rules for measurements.

[@zxbc1]

Nonbelieverification What European model comes with a hatchback that has less storage room than a sedan? I still don't get how you would be led to believe that.

[@Ryukachoo]

if you fully option this thing out on the top of the line trim; it costs 30,000 but you get adaptive head bi-xenons, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, front and rear park assist, blind spot detection, a friggin heads up display, remote start, the weird capacitor charging from braking thing that keeps the electronics running without the engine idling.... and it handles very well and it looks great and its super light but why, WHY IS THE ENGINE SO GUTLESS WHHHHHYYYYYY

[@techheads1000]

7 inches in diameter. Its a square...

[@BreadAndGatorade]

Mustafa Syed maybe he wasn't talking about the screen xD

[@MrBolt07]

No cup holder in the mazda?

[@adamsmith3095]

I'm kinda torn between this and the 2014 Honda Civic EX, what are your thoughts everyone?

[@hussali8838]

Mazda is sexy

[@dubbz_golf]

Garret Sippel, man drivin a stick I way cooler and a lot more fun then an Automatic, well it is in my opinion, I love to feel the rush shifting between gears racin some of my buddy's on the by-pass. I also love to know if y breaks go out I can always down shift no problem and not worry about throwin down into park and tearin up the transmission like you woul in an automatic

[@mustasheolll2020]

LockDown_ Fishing as an auto enthusiast, I like an automatic with Manuel mode. Gives me flexibility and I see my car as a driving machine rather than a race car.

[@carlosle9009]

good video, a bit too fast for city driving tough!

[@apan77]

awesome car

[@mackcummy4976]

Review an RSX

[@davidayj8109]

More detail on the engine would be nice, rather than "small" or "big".

[@dubbz_golf]

You don't need a Tachometer if you really know how to drive a stick. judge on the mph or by the sound of the motor.

[@collinholbrook4074]

under 25k for a car that nice is insanely awesome

[@apcoronado]

Aren't you test driving the Grand Touring, because that comes with the 2.5/170 HP, so your drive should be peppy. You just referred to that car as having the 2.0 L/155 HP. I'm looking to buy the 2.0, i Sport base model. The Grand Touring is too high in price for mt budget.

[@krisschedler]

nope, it is the 2.0 L Grand Touring, they have a Grand Touring 2.5 L too.

[@Golemslord]

2014 Corolla S pls :)

[@Viralityoflife]

The I-eloop only comes with the automatic

[@Dreadpirateflappy]

+Mike Halpert Not sure about the US... but I-eloop comes standard with the 165ps manual.

[@Viralityoflife]

Monkeybox Gaming i was referring to the US, but luck you guys.

[@Shishizurui]

sexy car but like the new legacy,outback its grille is over sized and needs reduced in height.

[@TheRealTREMBLAYF5]

Very nice car

[@MarkCalica]

The 2.5 only comes in auto, why mazda, why?... and I do agree with that tach...

[@hammerheadcobot2406]

Do mazda rx8

[@TheYellowSchoolBusDude]

I really don't like the styling on this car and I wish I did because the interior is amazing!